COLUMBUS, Ohio — The American Red Cross is urging individuals to schedule appointments for blood or platelet donations in response to a recent decline in donation appointments. The decrease in appointments could potentially result in a reduced availability of transfusions for patients in the upcoming weeks. Type O blood donors are especially sought after to ensure a robust blood supply. 

As the summer season commences and normal routines may be disrupted, it is crucial to prioritize donation appointments, particularly with Memorial Day weekend approaching. With over 42 million Americans expected to travel during the holiday, there may be a decrease in the number of available donors. To address this urgent need, individuals are encouraged to download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a donation appointment. 

Man donates blood at the American Red Cross in Chillicothe. GUARDIAN PHOTO | Jay Salley

To express appreciation for donors who make and honor their appointments, the American Red Cross is offering incentives to kickstart the summer season. Until May 31, donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, subject to availability. Additionally, those who donate in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle, including tickets to the game, airfare, hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card, and more. Donors in June will receive a $10 gift card via email to a merchant of their choice and will also be entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package comprising a projector, screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set, and a movie night snack package. 

Fayette – 

Jeffersonville 

  • 6/3/2023: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 23 S. Main St. 

Washington Court House 

  • 6/5/2023: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crossroads Christian Church, 175 Halliday Way 
  • 6/6/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 301 East Market Place 
  • 6/8/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Adena Fayette Medical Center, 1510 Columbus Ave 

Pickaway — 

Circleville 

  • 5/26/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Center, 777 E. Ohio St. 
  • 6/6/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pickaway County District Public Library, 1160 North Court Street 
  • 6/9/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Amvets Post 2256-Circleville, 818 Tarlton Road 

South Bloomfield 

  • 6/2/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., South Bloomfield Community Blood Drive, 5000 Park Place 

Williamsport 

  • 6/1/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Crown Hill Golf Course, 9500 US-22 

Ross — 

Chillicothe 

  • 5/25/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., National Church Residences, 807 Western Ave 
  • 5/26/2023: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ross County Service Center, 475 Western Ave. Suite J 
  • 5/26/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., South Central Ohio Chapter, 181 N Bridge St 
  • 5/31/2023: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., South Central Ohio Chapter, 181 N Bridge St 
  • 6/7/2023: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., VA Medical Center, 17273 St. Rt 104, Building 9 
  • 6/9/2023: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., iHeartMEDIA Blood Bash at the South Central Ohio Chapter, 181 N Bridge St 
  • 6/9/2023: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., iHeartMEDIA Blood Bash at the South Central Ohio Chapter, 181 N Bridge St 

Frankfort 

  • 5/27/2023: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Masonic Lodge #309, 23 W Springfield St.